The fear of bears has increased in Hangdewa, Phungling Municipality-9. Ward Chairman Laxhuman Gurung said that people are facing challenges in moving around after five livestock belonging to two families were damaged.

Three goats belonging to Bhagiman Gurung, one goat belonging to Narayan Prasad Gurung and a ram were attacked and killed by a bear.

The road from the district headquarters Phungling to Hangdewa settlement is through the forest and there are many people walking around, including those delivering milk in the morning and those collecting grass and firewood in the afternoon, so the ward office has requested the citizens to travel with caution.

Last month, a woman was attacked and injured by a bear in Pathibhara Yangwarak-2 Thechambu. Acting Chief of the Division Forest Office Lalit Kumar Yadav said that there may be a Himalayan black bear in the area.  'We are conducting further investigation into this matter,' Yadav said.